It was a one-night stand—nothing more, nothing less.
But…I don’t know. It feels like a big deal.
I down the rest of my beer in hopes of washing away the memory of how she tastes.
It doesn’t work.
I should be on my way.
I need to recalibrate my life now that she’s going to be in it all the fucking time.
I put the bottle on the table and move to stand.
She slides onto the stool next to me. “I’m back.”
Her perfume—a mix of citrus and musk—wafts over, and I immediately settle back down.
I’m hit with a vivid flashback of my mouth on her neck, telling her how delicious she smelled as I licked over her skin. The sounds of her throaty moans vibrating against my lips.
Do not look at her. Whatever happens, don’t look.
Darcy tucks a lock of hair behind her ear and pins her attention on me. “So tell us the story from your point of view.”
All eyes fall on me, and I shrug, like this is not a big deal. Jessica’s strategy might have caused more questions than it needed to, but the setup leaves me free to play it as though I’m ignorant to her motives.
Best of all, I don’t have to lie to Ryder.
Our relationship is built on trust, and now, I’m jeopardizing that because I had the misfortune of sleeping with his sister.
When he finds out, lying will only make it worse.
No, he’ll never find out. Once this mess is sorted, I’ll properly categorize her into an off-limits coworker.
I pick my words very carefully. “As I’ve already explained, I spotted the tail, called Ryder so we could get a plate. She got out of the car to confront me, introducing herself as Ryder’s sister. But before we had the opportunity to discuss anything further, he pulled up. And here we are.”
The man in question scrubs a hand over his jaw and looks at me with narrowed eyes. He’s not buying any of this. His instincts sense trouble.
Given who his sister is, he can’t be surprised.
What he’s stuck on is my involvement.
He meets my gaze. “Here’s what I don’t understand. Why aren’t you questioning her?”
I work to keep the tension from my body, “Why would I question her when you’re doing the job for me?”
“You don’t seem curious.” He presses, like the good cop he is.
Sophie darts a glance between Jessica and me. “He’s right.”
I struggle to figure out how I’d act if I hadn’t fucked her six ways till Sunday, and I find I have no idea. My only option is to ride this out as cool and unconcerned as I can. “Your public grilling doesn’t seem to be having an effect on her, so I’m not sure what you’d like me to add.”
Darcy smiles at me. “You’re being very understanding about this.”
“We’re going to be colleagues. It doesn’t hurt to give her the benefit of the doubt.” The heat of Jessica’s body is distracting me.
“And you’re not curious why she wanted to talk to you?” Sophie asks.
“She’s a lawyer who isn’t inclined to discuss the matter with any of you.” That seems plausible and vague enough, but I go on the offensive in hopes of putting the matter to bed. I raise a brow at Ryder. “Would you like me to take her somewhere private and interrogate her?”